St Kilda East has a pizza scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs polished, family-friendly, upscale — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every pizza spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $35-55 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you wood-fired, the higher end gets you Neapolitan done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Canvas — 195 Pine Drive
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-25 per person
Canvas is the benchmark for pizza in St Kilda East. The New York-style slice is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The margherita is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The sourdough base ($16) as a main, plus truffle mushroom to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. River’s — 292 Blake Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $23-40 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Canvas but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The Neapolitan here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The wood-fired ($23). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Cellar — 348 Blake Parade
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-25 per person
Cellar opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The margherita ($24) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the truffle mushroom ($27) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Nico’s — 17 Pine Drive
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $21-30 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Nico’s doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in St Kilda East. The New York-style slice ($21) is the standout.
5. The Northern Corner — 71 Bourke Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $18-37 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The Neapolitan ($24) and the wood-fired ($22) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a pizza place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Overall best | $16-25 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| River’s | Locals’ favourite | $23-40 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Cellar | New opening | $17-25 | Yes, via website |
| Nico’s | Best takeaway | $21-30 | Counter service |
| The Northern Corner | All-rounder | $18-37 | Recommended weekends |
Pizza Price Guide — St Kilda East
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15-22 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $35-55 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Sydney Terrace is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in St Kilda East.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Nico’s and Canvas are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- South Yarra Pizza
- Prahran Pizza
- St Kilda East Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- St Kilda East Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All St Kilda East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Italian in St Kilda East
- Best Restaurants in St Kilda East
- Cheap Eats in St Kilda East
- Best Takeaway in St Kilda East
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